Cultural heritage presence for Forestech
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Cultural heritage presence for Forestech

Plans for the future of both the Forestech and SEAMEC Federation Training campuses were very positive according to Shadow Tertiary Education Minister, Steph Ryan, who visited both last week with The Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

“The future of Forestech in particular in the short-term is most exciting with a strong local Aboriginal cultural heritage presence planned for the site,” Ms Ryan said.

Mr Bull said the facility would now be shared between Federation Training and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), an arrangement which has come about after a series of meetings between the two agencies last year.

“I had discussions with Federation Training over the future of the campuses early in 2015, Forestech in particular, and it indicated it would welcome an appropriate co-tenant,” he said.

“Given it is a great highway location, and having been heavily involved in a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into growing cultural heritage, I thought it was the perfect base to do this.

“I facilitated a few meetings in my office between the parties to discuss how it could all work and the outcome is terrific.

“I look forward to GLaWAC developing a strong presence at the site over the course of this year. Our region is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage; there is an increasing community appreciation of this, and a thirst to know more about our pre-European history.

“I would hope we could have busloads stopping to experience such things as our local Aboriginal art on permanent display, dancing and generally gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the local Gunaikurnai history.

“I believe it has the potential to become one of our most visited attractions as there is clearly a growing interest in the wider community in relation to Aboriginal cultural heritage and I saw that around the state as the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs,” Mr Bull said.

A spokesperson for GLaWAC confirmed a lease had been signed with Federation Training for the Forestech building for a three-year period, with the opportunity for extension.

“The move to Forestech will continue to further the Gunaikurnai aspirations in many respects. The opportunities to action some of the goals stated in the newly adopted ‘Whole of Country’ Plan will be realised with the move to the new venue.

“Cultural tourism is an area that offers significant opportunities for education and public recognition.

“The official re-opening of the site (to be held at a date to be advised) will celebrate the new partnership between Federation Training and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) as well as showcase the facilities, machinery and courses that are available to the local community,” the spokesperson said.

Ms Ryan said the plans to develop aquaculture studies at SEAMEC were also exciting.

“It is a premier location that lends itself perfectly to this form of study. I am aware there is a grant application pending to develop the site so training can commence.

“Our government put aside $40 million for TAFE in this East Gippsland region and as yet $20m has not been allocated, so I would certainly hope this application is successful,” she said.